Healthcare Voices
Nurses have always been the backbone of patient care. Today, they’re also stepping into boardrooms, shaping policy and leading the future of healthcare.
As we celebrate Nurses Week 2025, it’s the perfect time to recognize not just the leadership nurses bring to every level of healthcare, but also the organizations working to elevate their voices.
At Cherokee, we believe nurses deserve to be seen—and heard—wherever decisions are made. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC), whose mission is to increase the presence of nurses on corporate and health-related boards. We sat down with Dr. Cole Edmonson, RN, DNP, FAAN CEO of NOBC, to discuss how nurses are uniquely positioned to drive change—and how Cherokee can support that journey.
From Bedside to Boardroom: Dr. Cole Edmonson’s Leadership Journey
"My transition from clinical nursing to nursing leadership was driven by a deep desire to impact healthcare on a broader scale and to support my colleagues in their roles," says Edmonson. "As a nurse, I saw firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare system. I found myself not only advocating for patients and families, but for my colleagues as well.”
“Moving into leadership allowed me to take that advocacy and work on systemic changes.”
That natural move into leadership wasn’t about leaving bedside care behind—it was about pushing the impact even further. By stepping into broader decision-making spaces, Edmonson could work on changes that benefit both patients and providers.
"The journey from the bedside to the C-suite to the boardroom has shaped my vision for NOBC by emphasizing the importance of nurse leaders in driving innovation, improving patient outcomes, improving organizational outcomes and ensuring that nursing perspectives are integral to decision-making processes at the highest levels."
NOBC’s Mission: Preparing Nurses for the Boardroom
Why is it critical for nurses to have a seat at the table?
"Nurses bring a unique and invaluable perspective to boardrooms,” Edmonson explains, “grounded in their direct patient care experience, holistic understanding of healthcare systems and humanity. It’s critical to ensure that decisions made at the highest levels reflect the realities of patient care and promote health equity."
NOBC exists to help make that possible. From education, to research, and board placement to mentorship and advocacy, the coalition gives nurses the tools and support they need to lead with confidence. "We advocate for the inclusion of nurses on boards and work to match qualified nurse leaders with board positions and make sure they are confident, comfortable and competent in the boardroom," Edmonson explains.
Recently, NOBC launched a new micro-credential, Language in the Boardroom, the first of its kind. It’s designed to help nurses get familiar with the language, processes and expectations of governance spaces so they can walk into boardrooms feeling prepared and empowered.
The Power of Nurse-Led Change
Nurse board members aren’t just symbolic—they're real agents of change.
"Nurse leaders on hospital boards have advocated for policies that improve patient safety and quality of care, such as implementing evidence-based practices and enhancing nurse staffing models and care delivery model innovations that improve outcomes across the board," Edmonson shares.
In community health settings, nurses are also leading efforts that tackle social determinants of health, helping improve wellness and create better access to care across entire populations.
“Nurses are good for business. They understand how to drive outcomes through systematic improvements to care systems, financial outcomes, quality improvement, work environments, patient experience, and health of populations.”
A Leadership Style That Connects
One of Edmonson’s strongest assets as a leader is his ability to break down hierarchies and remove barriers to connection. "Fostering an environment where hierarchy does not impede open communication and collaboration means creating a space where the gradient of authority is flattened out and we’re all colleagues," he explains. “This approach helps me connect with nurses and healthcare teams by creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard, regardless of their position. Some of my best days as a nurse leader and chief nurse were spent rounding in scrubs, being present with my colleagues and in the patient care environment.” Not wearing a suit and tie, he encouraged more transparency, mutual respect, deeper communication, honesty and a shared commitment to common goals."
Overcoming Barriers to Nurse Leadership
Even today, many nurses face hurdles when it comes to leadership roles.
"One of the biggest challenges is the lack of awareness and preparation for board roles among nurses," Edmonson says. "Many may not realize the impact they can have at the board level, or they feel they lack the necessary skills."
He noted common concerns among nurses. “Not having enough time, not feeling comfortable in the finance area, not knowing where to start, or simply not seeing themselves in those roles,” he says. "That’s where NOBC plays a crucial role—by providing resources, mentorship and visibility to help nurses overcome these doubts."
Words of Encouragement for Future Leaders
For nurses who are dreaming bigger but feeling unsure, Edmonson offers some advice.
"Believe in the value of your unique perspective and experiences. Your dedication to patient care and your understanding of healthcare systems and the nursing process are powerful assets. Seek out mentorship, embrace development opportunities and trust that your voice is essential. You have the potential to make a significant impact—trust in yourself and take the leap."
Cherokee’s Commitment to Nurse Leadership
At Cherokee, we believe nurses deserve more than recognition—they deserve real opportunities to lead. This Nurses Week, we’re proud to highlight the work of NOBC and leaders like Dr. Cole Edmonson, who continue to show us what’s possible when nurses step into decision-making spaces.
By supporting organizations that elevate nurse voices, we’re helping build a future where healthcare decisions are made by those who know patient care best. Because when nurses lead, everyone benefits.
Celebrate your impact with us—Nurses Week deals launch soon with offers made just for nurses like you.
Learn more about NOBC’s mission and sign up with the coalition here.